Meet 3:51 marathoner, author of the Ali On The Run blog and host of the Ali On The Run Show podcast, freelance writer and editor, Ali Feller.
Ali’s appearance on this week’s episode was suggested by listener, Angie Sherman and for that, we are certainly grateful.
Ali was not a high school track or cross country star; far from it, in fact. Growing up she found running to be punitive rather than fun. After graduating college, she became Editor-In-Chief of Dance Spirit magazine. She is currently a contributor to many women’s health and fitness periodicals.
Living with Crohn’s Disease
Ali shares with us her experience living with Crohn’s Disease. As you’ll hear in more detail, Crohn’s is a chronic autoimmune disease that is unpredictable and inconvenient, yet Ali explains how she has come to terms with managing it, all while still remaining as active as she can.
7 Marathons and Dozens of Half Marathons
Although she is now focusing on shorter distance races like the 5K, she has completed 7 full marathons and dozens of half-marathons. She also tells us how she continues to train and how she approaches goal setting. Oh, and we will also learn about her awesome husband and loving dog or loving husband and awesome dog? Either way… Meet Ali Feller!
Questions Ali is asked:
2:25 First Four:
- How old are you?
- Where were you born?
- Where do you live now?
- What is your favorite race distance?
8:42 What got you interested in running and when did you start?
13:46 What is Crohn’s disease, when were you diagnosed and how does it affect your daily life?
17:18 How do you manage this condition?
19:32 How is your training affected?
23:16 Does the lower impact of walking make it easier to train?
24:41 What can you tell us about the 7 marathons you have run?
29:02 What has getting married and starting your podcast been like?
31:16 What was it like interviewing Gabe Grunewald?
35:30 How far do you look into your future and what kind of risks are you taking now?
39:21 What would you like to tell us about your dog?
41:20 What people or experiences have had the biggest impact on you?
46:54 Final Kick Round:
- What is your favorite local training run (location, starting point, parking, distance, terrain and safety issues)?
- Favorite running book(s)?
- Advice for new runners?
- Favorite Quote?
Quotes by Ali:
“We give so much glory to marathons and half-marathons, which they deserve, that’s a really big deal, but the 5k can tear you up. The good thing, though, is that if your race doesn’t go the way you want, you can do another one the next weekend.”
“It’s all about the training. Nobody wakes up and runs a marathon.”
“It was a hard realization to come to last year, but my body can’t do (marathons) right now, so that’s why I love the 5k.”
“I love asking people questions so I can learn from what they’ve done and either be motivated or inspired or figure out how to better my own life.”
“My goals and dreams are day-to-day now; and that’s ok.”
“Do your best every single day and practice forgiveness with that, in that: your best will be different every day, but strive to be better than the day before in some way.”
Take a Listen on Your Next Run
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Mentioned in this podcast:
Run To The Top Winners Circle Facebook Community
RunnersConnect 2018 Running Retreat
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation
Gabe Grunewald Runners World article
Book: Endure by Alex Hutchinson
Book: You’re a Bada$$ by Jen Sincero
Michele Gonzalez: NYC Running Mama
We really hope you’ve enjoyed this episode of Run to the Top with Ali Feller and Host Stephanie Kay Atwood.
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Strava’s offering podcast listeners a chance to win an entry to the 2018 NYC Marathon with a $500 travel stipend. It’s the largest marathon in the world and notoriously difficult to get into. For your chance to win just go to runnersconnect.net/strava to enter and read the official rules.
